Upper Mustang Mustang with Luri Gumba is one of the most popular trekking destinations, known as forbidden kingdom of Nepal with ancient monasteries, historical caves, amazing landscape and unique culture. Mustang is lies northern central part of Nepal, beyond the massive Himalayan range Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. An amazing land formation, majestic Himalayan scenery, ancient’s walled city, and cave civilization has existence here as former Tibetan tradition.

Mustang is in Restricted Area; due to its culture influence sensitive from outsider, geological structure and politically issue of Tibet border, it was opened for trekkers since 1992 for the Trekkers. There is strictly controlled for mass trekkers to preserve the culture and biology. Mustang is isolated from the outsider culture and untouched by modernization. So, it is able to preserve its uniqueness. There is remaining a Sky Burial funeral ritual in Upper Mustang and Nepal High Himalaya region. The Monk (Lama) decides in which funeral ritual is going to be using looking dead person date of birth and death time. There are not enough words to describe its beauty and artistic treeless barren landscapes. As Upper Mustang is nearby Tibet border, people of here are following Tibetan Bon Buddhism. They have the true Tibetan life style handover from centuries. This is full of mysterious land with ancient Silk Road civilization and manmade cave’s city. There are in-numbers unexplored Caves and villages remain centuries old monastery and Stupas.

Ame Pal was founder of Mustang, who established himself as King of Tibetan territory in 1380. Upper Mustang was become territory of Nepal around 1800. The former Raja (King) Jigme Parwal Bista is 25th generation of Ame Pal dynasty. The mud built huge Royal Palace is still remaining in Lo-Manthang, where you can visit Royal family. Countless remarkable historical shrines such as manmade caves, Buddhist Chorten, Monastery, Mane wall, people culture, tradition and belief which are survival for new generation. They are preserving their indigenous knowledge, which was hand over from their ancestor. It is very important role to conserve the culture and eco system in this time as well. The traditional cultivation methods, herbal medicine, nomadic animal husbandry, religious faith and fast and festivals are another attraction for every trekker. Tiji, Chhongo (Losar), Gyang Khorto, Degyap, Dhayang, Tharpi Tharchang, Yartung, Folgyang, Mane Rimdu etc. many festivals are celebrate here. The artistic barren landscape, rugged mountains along with the enchanting view of Mount Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and other mountains make your Upper Mustang and Luri Gumpa Trek memorable. People of here are practicing polyandry marriage system as their authentic tradition and to avoid farm fragmentation. To look around just Lo Manthang is not enough even for whole one day, there are several Gumba, houses, fort, caves. The five stories, forty four rooms Jhong Cave at Choser village but remind you about Silk Road civilization. More than thousands years old monasteries such as Choser Gumpa, Namgyal Gumba, Tiger monastery, Ghar Gumba and Luri Gumpa proved you about it’s significant. The Upper Mustang trekking with Luri Gumba is magical and isolated area fascinates and inspires every visitor.

Normally, you will get in Jomsom by 15 to 25 minutes scenic flights from Pokhara, from where your Upper Mustang Trip begins. But now a day there is road access to the Jomsom along the Kaligandaki River Bank with amazing mountains scenery. Even you can drive to the Lo Manthang (South Plane Aspirations) called walled city. Mostly the trail goes through the Kaligandaki Valley following the riverbed with traditional villages. Kagbeni is the gateway of Upper Mustang; where you need you check in and out your special permit. The sacred Lake Damodar Kunda is origin of Krishnagandaki which is famous for Shaligram (fossils); the Hindus and Buddhist believe that it is incretion of God Vishnu. You need to cross Kaligandaki river times to again in a same day. You will visit various villages; Chhusang, Chele, Samar (Red Clay), Ghami, Dhakmar (Red Rock) and Tsarang /Charang (Cock’s Crest) with incredible landscape and unbelievable live hood. There are several passes on this trip; Mui La an elevation of 4,170 meters is one of the highest pass.

We cross the Kaligandaki valley and follow the Damodar Kunda trail to the Dhi, Yara and Gara village, from where you will day hike for the Luri Gompa. Then we trek through the Tangge and meet the trail at Chhusang. In this part is very basic tea houses facilities and need to stay local house also. After lifetime experience about Mustang you will return to Jomsom and fly back to Pokhara and Kathmandu for your destination. We Nepal Mother House glad to organize your Upper Mustang trip with Luri Gumba by expert local Guide and porters for your ultimate satisfaction. As Mustang is in rain shadow area, monsoon season also best time for this trek. Why not join with us before other done it.

Trip Highlights

Existent antique Tibetan culture and life hood.

Rare medieval Buddhist arts, ancient Monastery.

Untouched civilization life goes on as it has for centuries.

The walled city Lo-Manthang, built in 1380 AD by the first King of Lo ‘Ame Pal’.

Last Ex: King -Jigme Prabal Bista (25th King of the Upper Mustang Kingdom).

Visa fee, you obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport Kathmandu.

Trip Note

If you do not need porter for the trip, the trekking cost will be reducing from the original price. Nepal Mother House gives you some clue to make less cost for the Solo traveler also. Please contact us in our email for more details with your requirements.

If you wish to stay longer, we can offer plenty of suggestions: Bungee Jumping, mountain biking in the Kathmandu valley, white water Rafting, Jeep Flyer, Paragliding, Rock climbing, Jungle Safari tour, Skydiving, Mt. Everest view flight, Bhaktapur and Patan Durbar square, the Kathmandu valley's other historic cities Sightseeing, or a night at the Fort Hotel in Nagarkot for a bit of luxury and some worth able sunset and sunrise mountain panoramas. We help to arrange any of these excursions for you. Namaste and see you during your next trip to the Nepal Himalayas!

Some time we could face problem of internal flights to/from Jomsom delayed by few hours or cancelled for a day because of bad weather. It is happen very rarely, but it could even in best trekking season also as you know how climate change is effecting our globe. Therefore, we always recommend you to add one supplement night in Kathmandu after your base camp trek if possible (just for incase). If everything runs smoothly, you can enjoy other activities like sightseeing, rafting, shopping, as you wish in those additional day overnight at hotel.

Day 01 : Arrival at Kathmandu.Upon arrival at international airport, our waiting support team will meet and greet you at the airport assist and transfer to the Hotel.

Day 03 : Drive Kathmandu to Pokhara (950m) - 6 to 7 hours by tourist bus Our trekking guide will come to the hotel in the morning at six o’clock to pick you with private transport. We’ll drive to Pokhara (200 km) which will take us about 6 to 7 hours on a very scenic route. Along the journey you will witness some stunning scenery of snow capped mountains, green hills, rivers in rafting, and villages. Pokhara is a beautiful valley with panoramic views of Annapurna, Machapuchare (shape of fish tail), Dhaulagiri, Lamjung Himal and Manaslu. The town of Pokhara is set on the banks of the Phewa Lake. It is smaller and much less hectic than Kathmandu providing the perfect starting point for our trek. Stay overnight at hotel.

Day 04 : Fly Pokhara to Jomsom (2713m) -25 minutes, Trek Jomsom to Kagbeni (2897m) -3 to 4 hours Early in the morning we will fly to Jomsom. The flight is 25 minutes on a scenic flight view of Spectaculars Mountains. We start the first day trekking from Jomsom (2713m) to Kagbeni (2897m) after breakfast. The trail follows the wide valley of the Kali Gandaki. Here the wind generally picks up after about midday but will at least be blowing at our backs as you head up to ancient village Kagbeni in the morning time. The rest of the day we will explore around the village, people, and culture.

Day 05 : Trek Kagbeni to Chele (3050m) -5 to 6 hours Our journey begins with a special permit check up and onwards to the riverbank of Kaligandaki River up to the valley. During today’s walk, the trail leads us through the picturesque deserted and windswept valleys. This trail continues up and downhill until we reach the Tangbe village. From here we trek onwards to Chhusang and after a 1½ hour walk we cross a river heading up to the huge red chunk of conglomerate that has fallen from the cliff above. The trail continues heading on to small ridges until we reach the Chele village (3050m) after 18 kilometers. Here we will stay overnight at a local tea house.

Day 06 : Trek Chele to Syanbochen (3475m) -6 to 7 hours Today, we start our trek again after breakfast and walk further to Ekle Bhatti then climb to Taklam La Pass (3,624m) through a narrow stretch of plateau with views of Tilicho Peak, Yakawa Kang, Nilgiri and Damodar Danda. After lunch in Samar, we walk further for about three hours until Syanbochen (3475m). The trail today is 8 kilometers long. The rest of the day explores surrounding ancient unique village area. We stay again at a teahouse overnight.

Day 07 : Trek Syanbochen to Ghaymi (3,850m) -5 to 6 hours The trail lead us uphill to the Syangboche La (3,860m) and passing a few teahouses, Chortens (Tibetan Stupa), and local villages with Tibetan style houses. We then cross over a few other paths. After lunch, we have a longer climb to the Nyi Pass (4,010m) and Ghami La (3,765m) with wonderful landscape view. Then we descend to Ghaymi (3,520m) for the overnight stay at tea house, after 12 kilometers of walking.

Day 08 : Trek Ghaymi to Charang (3,506m) -4 to 5 hours After breakfast, we start our trek on a pleasant and easy trail which we’ll walk for about 4 to 5 hours up to Charang (3,560m). Then after crossing Ghaymi Khola, the trail climbs to a plateau and passes beside a very long Mani wall (Mantra inscribed stone walls) which heads east to Tsarang. After about 11 kilometers up and down the trail get us to the teahouse in Charang, where we will stay overnight. We will enjoy exploring around the ancient village for the rest of the day. You may go to Ghar Gumpa via Mui La (4,170m) from Dhakmar skip Charang Village.

Day 09 : Trek Charang to Lo-Mangthang (3,810m) via Ghar Gumba -7 to 8 hours The trail leads us to Lo-Mangthang with a majestic view of Nilgiri, Tilicho, Annapurna I, and Bhrikuti. The landscape scenery is absolutely fascinating. At first, the trail follow the Charing rivar bank with beautiful Marang village and Saukre (Lo Gekar) then get in Ghar Gumba. Then the trail further ascends gently to the windy pass 4,300m, from where you can see the Lo-Mangthang valley (3,810m) while views of the walled city appear magnificently amongst its hills. All of this takes places right next to the Tibetan boarder. We will stay overnight at a local hotel. The rest of the time can be spent exploring around the surrounding areas which are almost identical to Tibet and Tibetan culture.

Day 10 : Explore Lo-Mangthang Today is your special day to explore around Lo-Mangthan. You first explore the surrounding Namgyal Gomba monastery situated on a hilltop, which serves as an important monastery of the local community and also as a local court. After visiting Namgyal Gompa (3,910m) continue the hike to Tingkhar (4,025m), which is a village of around 40 houses, the last main village to the northwest of Lo-Mangthang. After finishing your visit stroll back to the hotel. You have another option to visit the Chamjung and Lhaktung Gumba, the red Thugchen monastery, Chyodi Gomba are in the entrance hall which are the main attractions of Lo Mangthang. Besides this you may visit the four story building of the Raja's Darabar (Royal Place) as well as the surrounding panoramic views of the Himalaya, where the Lo Mangthang Ex: King -Jigme Prabal Bista (25th King of the Upper Mustang Kingdom) offers you Tibetan tea as a sigh of his hospitality. Lo Manthang is known as walled city also, it is believed to be built in 1380 AD by the first King of Lo ‘Ame Pal’. The wall which is 2422 feet (725m) long and 26 feet (about 8 m) high has a series of 14 towers along its border. The towers rise 40 feet (12m) high, 6 feet (2m) wide at the base and 3 feet (1m) wide at the top. During the regimes of the Mustangi King, the towers were guarded by armed guards to defend the town from the enemies.

Day 11 : Explore Day in Choser Cave and village. This day you may visit to the Namgyal ‘The Monastery of Victory’, Tinker ‘summer palace of Mustangies King’, Choser Valley ‘famous for cave culture’ and Luri Gumba ‘built inside the rock’ are other major attraction of Upper Mustang. Choser Cave is spectacular multi storied cave building with 42 rooms, which is an example of ancient human civilization and their tradition and to get in cave Gumba it takes about 1 ½ to 2 hour walk away from Lo Manthang or you have option pony trek or hire motorbike or any Vehicles. There are other many hidden treasure around the Choser Village where you may explore as well if not too tired.

Day 12 : Trek Lo-Mangthang to Yara (3900m) -6 to 7 hours At the begging of day trip, we climb less steeply to the Lo La Pass an elevation of 3,950 meters, you have amazing scenery of Lo-Manthang behind you; this is last view of Lo-Manthang before making the next left at the trail marker signaling the route to Dhi Village. The scenery is a stunningly beautiful and dramatic canyon top walk for a few hours, always with extremely dramatic views, often rolling. The route is a geologists dream, a mini Grand Canyon of ancient, breakdown and sculpted rocks. The trail descent and gets steeper and the scare looser the further we descend, your pole support you. Soon we see the lush, green oasis called Dhi Village (3,360m) below us; this is an old salt trading route to Tibet.
After having cup of tea and a rest in Dhi, the trail descend to the Kali Gandaki river and cross on a bridge, and then turn left at the next major river junction five minutes further down the valley. We keep on another hour's walk along the river valley, with a last ascent on the left of the Saligram-filled riverbed, to reach beautiful Yara. Notice the fluted cliff side across the river, from Yara; fantastic, sculpted canyons with the remains of a network of ancient caves, now eroded enough to be inaccessible. We stay at Tea House at Yara, a bustling village full of Mustangi life. If you walk above the village in the afternoon, you have lovely view of Yara village.

Day 13 : Day Hike to Luri Gumba (4,005m) -4 to 5 hours After having breakfast, we head out on a day trip to Luri Gompa and Tashi Kabum with pack lunch. The trail goes along the Saligram spotted riverbed for an hour to we reach the access point to the Tashi Kumbum cave complex, accessible via a narrow ledge of a trail. Tashi Kumbum is a newly discovered ancient cave; group of six cave dwellings from 15th century. Here are fantastic Buddhist murals and a large exquisitely painted Chorten.
To get in Monastery, we need to hike for another hour along the narrowing river valley to the fabled Druk-pa Luri Gompa and its complex of Tibetan Buddhist caves, some of which are accessible others now 'closed' forever. From the river we'll have a short hike up to the newer Gomba, and then a steeper hike up to the cave complex on a newly rebuilt trail.
According to the locals, one of the older Kings of Lo married a Bhutanese princess, thus the Druk-pa influence. The main Luri Gompa is situated down near the riverbank and one of the nuns who keep the key will lead on a crumbling trail us up to the upper prayer-room and the fifteenth century 'Kabum Stupa', made of highly polished stucco and painted with intricately detailed Newari-styled Buddhist frescos of the Kagyupa saints Tilopa, Naropa and Marpa. Local believe that, it is from 13th to 14th century, and linked to the Tashi Kumbum caves, one of a group of connected cave dwellings throughout this particular region. Unfortunately, or fortunately, most have been rendered inaccessible due to the intense erosion in Mustang, so will remain hidden throughout history.
We'll return to Yara via Ghara, another lovely village on the high plateau about half an hour from Luri Gompa. We can stay on the higher trail after Ghara, reaching Yara about an hour later.

Day 14 : Trek Yara to Tange (3370m) -6 to 7 hours Today we need to cross Kali Gandaki River several times without bridge, so it batter to use your sandals. It is day of sandal hiking. We drop back down to the Puyung Khola, and return to Surkhang, the very small administrative center just south of Dhi and hike above the village to a viewpoint looking down the Kali Gandaki. About 20 minutes walk after this point, we back on the riverbank, and we have to cross the river for the first time, either on a precarious series of stone steps or with sandals, across the river. Keep your sandals on from this point as we'll have to re-cross the river several times. After one and half hours of river bank walking us reach the large Dechyang Khola from where Saligrams are mined further up-river.
Walking south along the stunning Kali Gandaki riverbank for another one and half hours, searching for Saligrams and crossing the river several times, we finally reach the Tangge Khola Sumdo. Turning left, we trek along this pebbly, windy floodplain for another hour or more, crossing this river several times as well before finally spotting the magical, whitewashed village of Tangge built into on the terraced hillside. Climbing slightly to the main trail, we pass the line of red, yellow, white and blue-grey Chortens and the long Mani wall with four carved figures on each.
Tangge is an incredibly stunning village, with monumental ochre and white Chortens, long Mani walls and traditional architecture, surrounded be terraced barley fields, a village of many sheep, goats and large mastiffs and the largest Chorten in Mustang (over 50 feet high). Many houses and barley fields were swiped way by massive mudslide. According to elderly people there were over a 100 houses in Tangge before this tragedy, but now there are only twenty houses. Look to the south for views of the snow-peak called Ka Karru by locals. We stay at Tea House for overnight.

Day 15 : Trek Tange to Tetang/ Chusang (3022m) – 8 to 9 Hours This is another long day. Therefore we need to start early in the morning. As there is not good tea house, it will best to buy pack lunch and sufficient water reserve. After leave the village, we need to cross the suspension bridge and follow the river bank shortly. Again we need to cross the river; then the trail goes steeply climb up to reach a small pass it takes about 3 hours. Now, we need to climb straight to Pha (shelter house) where we have our packed lunch. After lunch break the trail continue crossing many small passes about 2 hours until we reach the top of the hill. Then we follow the steeply descends trail with strong winds until we reach Chhusang village. We have a superb view of Nilgiri Himal, Dhaulagiri I, Tukuche Peak, and other snow peaks. We stay overnight in Lodge.

Day 16 : Trek Chusang to Jomsom (2710m) -6 to 7 hours Today is our last day and is quite long. It is better to start early as the wind will also pick up early. We will trek to Kagbeni which finishes the upper Mustang trails and joins up with the normal as Annapurna circuit trek. We follow the trails downstream the Kaligandaki river. Sometimes we go over small passes but it is not too difficult. We gradually get down through this old salt trade route, alongside Etupas and monasteries. After lunch at Kagbeni will head on to Jomsom (2710) for the overnight stop. The trail goes to the Ekle Bhatti which gives some close views of Nilgiri and a beautiful view of the Kagebeni village. The trail continues down on the stony path facing Tukuche( 6960m), Dhaulagiri (8168m), and Nilgiri ( 6940m). We arrive at Jomsom for lunch and then explore this district headquarters.

Day 17 : Fly Jomsom to Pokhara (950m) -25 minutes, relaxing Day Early in the morning we fly to Pokhara by small aircraft while enjoying the majestic mountain views above the world’s deepest gorge. The rest of the day can be spent relaxing in the Pokhara hotel. If you are up for it, feel free to wander around the Lake Side city with its fascinating mountains panorama views and charming nature.

Day 18 : Drive back to Kathmandu early in the morning by Tourist Bus - 6 to 7 hours We should be ready by 6:00 in morning in hotel lobby in order to have breakfast or seek advice from your trekking guide. We will drive back to Kathmandu through on the main road passing terraces, streams, rivers, local settlements, and high hills. It takes about 7 hours (conditional) to reach your hotel in Kathmandu. If you are interested to fly from Pokhara to Katmandu (bear in mind the extra cost of the plane tickets) please request Nepal Mother House Trekking to book your flight ticket in advance. It takes about 30 minutes flying time with spectacular views of the Himalayas, high hills, terraces, local settlements, and forests. This can indeed make it worth flying.

Day 19 : Your own destination. In this pleasant day you may have full day at leisure either relax at hotel or explore the around Thamel. Today is day of ending your journey, so we hand over you Trip Certificate, Trekking Permit and TIMS Card for memory of Nepal trip. Today is free or last minute shopping for souvenirs or gift to your family, friends or relatives for you until departure. Our assist will be transfer to the International Airport for your departure flight to your onwards destination, taking with you the memory of a life time.

Note:

Except fixed date, we are glad to organize ant time according to your requirement.

Make reservations with advance payment, especially during peak season, for trip, accommodations and local guides.

Call your bank for debit- and credit-card to let them know about fees and your travel destination. Get your bank’s emergency phone number if you have a problem.

Visit the doctor for your health report and take medicine and vaccine accordingly.

Remember, the local laws apply to you as a visitor and it is your responsibility to follow them.

Be sensitive to local customs, traditions and practices as your behavior may be seen as improper, hostile or even illegal.

Never step over anyone feet/legs, and pull in your own legs when somebody wants to pass.

Never touch anybody with your feet, also never point in a direction using your feet. The feet are considered the most impure parts of the body.

When entering a house, somebody's kitchen, temple or monastery take off your shoes.

As a woman you should always be dressed avoiding provocation, so keep shoulders and legs covered.

It is very polite to give and accept with your right hand, and even more so when you use your left hand for supporting the elbow of your right hand.

When in doubt how to behave in certain situations; keep a low profile, do not shout and keep your dignity.

It is better not to touch offerings or persons when they are on way to shrines.

Beef is prohibited among both the Hindus and Buddhists. No female animal is killed for food.

You may not be allowed entry to the inner sanctuaries of temples and Stupas.

You may be interested to take snaps of temples, Stupas and monuments. Generally temples, Stupas and monuments are permitted to be photographed, but it is better to have permission before using your cameras.